NFL teams reportedly showing trade interest in Matthew Judon
According to a new report, ‘multiple’ NFL teams have reached out to the Patriots about trading for Matthew Judon.
The story of Matthew Judon’s contract situation has been a looming presence throughout Patriots training camp. After the Patriots moved money up from 2024 to 2023 to end Judon’s hold-in last year, Judon is due just $6.5 million in the final year of his current deal in 2024. He’s been vocal about wanting a new deal, after and at one point walked out of a practice (twice) early in camp.
Despite all of that, there hasn’t been any update to Judon’s contract as of Monday. Judon has been present at Patriots practice since, and after being limited last week has been a full participant since the team’s preseason opener on Thursday. The last reported offer from the Patriots to Judon on an updated contract was prior to training camp.
Head coach Jerod Mayo has spoken about the two sides “moving forward” since Judon removed himself from a practice two weeks ago. However, if the Patriots do want to move on from Judon, it appears they would have options in doing so.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “multiple teams have inquired” about trading for Judon. Fowler didn’t add what those teams might be offering.
Back in February we highlighted how Judon should be worth at least at top-100 pick in a trade. However that was now seven months ago, and players generally go for less once the main roster-building portion of the offseason is over. Based on Fowler’s working though, it’s possible the Patriots could get a bidding war going between the ‘multiple’ teams.
If the Patriots were to trade Judon, they’d lose their best defensive playmaker and arguably their best player on the roster. Given where they’re at it certainly makes sense for the team to be looking to add future assets, and given Judon’s age (he turns 32 later this week) he likely won’t still be in his prime when the Patriots are true contenders again. At the same time, losing him would be a big blow for a team and new coaching staff trying to build a culture and maintain a level of competitiveness in 2024.
